How Much Does Gallbladder Surgery Cost

A small organ on the lower side of the liver is the gallbladder whose main function is for bile storage. The liver is the one that creates bile for fat breakdown. Just like any other parts of the body, this plays an essential role. Unfortunately, there are many factors that can cause damage and problem especially now that people are not too conscious with the food that they eat. Having an unhealthy lifestyle is one major factor that can result to gallbladder related problems. If this body part if already causing severe problems, there might be a need to remove it and you will have to undergo a gallbladder surgery. How much does gallbladder surgery cost?

Signs and Symptoms of Gallbladder Disease

If you notice some of the signs and symptoms, you may be suffering from gallbladder dysfunction. For one,if you are experiencing pain in your abdomen that is accompanied with vomiting and nausea. As you experience more pain with coughing, chances are you have a gallbladder disease. You might also experience jaundice where your eyes and skin turns yellow.

Average Price of Gallbladder Surgery

How much does gallbladder surgery cost? The gallbladder surgery cost would vary on various factors. This specific surgery is often covered by health insurance. If you have a health insurance, you can expect a much lower average price of gallbladder surgery. You have to pay for a hospital cospay and specialist copay of about $100. You also need to shoulder the coinsurance of 10% to 50%.

If you do not have health insurance, the gallbladder surgery cost is around $10,000 to $20,000. When you undergo a surgery at Wright Medical Center, the surgery cost is around $9,000 and a doctor professional fee amounting to $2,500. You will have to pay for more cost if you need to have a special X-ray. There are also additional costs since some patients may experience having diarrhea after the surgery. In which case, the doctor will prescribe a medication which costs about $20.

The average price of gallbladder surgery can still be lowered. There are hospitals and even doctors that offer discounts up to about 30% for patients who are cash-paying.

Preparing for the Gallbladder Surgery

Before you undergo the surgery, you will have to take various tests to make sure that you are healthy. You will have to undergo imaging and blood tests. It is essential that you have a physical exam to see that you are healthy enough for the surgery. Your doctor will also ask you about your medical history. Tell your doctor about any medication including drugs or supplements that you take. Before the surgery, your doctor will provide you with instructions. You will have to fast for about 6 hours prior to the surgery.

How the Surgery is Performed?

Apart from asking, how much does gallbladder cost? You will have to wear a hospital gown. An IV or intravenous line will be put into your vein. Your doctor will put you under general anesthesia, so you wouldn’t feel any pain. Using an antiseptic solution, your doctor will clean your stomach to lessen the risk of infection. After that, the surgeon will have an incision depending on the type of incision he will choose. The surgeon will take out your gallbladder and close your wound with stitches and bandage. For a laparoscopic gallbladder procedure, it would take more than 1 hour. Going for an open procedure can take much longer. But then again, it is important to note that that the time would still depend and vary depending on the condition of the patient.After the surgery, you have to stay up to 3 days in the hospital. As for the complete recovery, it takes about 4 to 6 weeks.

After Surgery Care

The gallbladder surgery cost is quite expensive. For you to prevent from further shouldering medical costs, you need to be aware of the complications after the procedure. To prevent any complication, you should not walk frequently. This is to avoid blood clots. To avoid dehydration, you need to have lots of fluids.

Within 4 to 6 weeks, you should not lift heavy things. Before you touch the incision site, make sure that you wash your hands well. Change your bandages to avoid infections.

Finding an Expert Conducting the Surgery

Since this is a highly sensitive procedure, you would not want to just entrust this procedure to any medical professional. You need a gastroenterologist and general surgeon as they are the ones whose expertise is diagnosing gallbladder related problem. You can ask your family doctor for a referral. You can also refer to the American College of Gastroenterology that provides a locator. 

Once your gastroenterologist has diagnosed the problem, you will then be referred to a general surgeon who will conduct the surgery. Make sure that the surgeon is certified by the American Board of Surgery. You also need to look at the experience of the surgeon.

Tips to Have a Healthy Gallbladder

To have better digestion and healthy gallbladder, here are some essential tips that you can follow:

• Eat a healthy diet. The food that you eat is one factor that can result to gallbladder dysfunction. As much as possible, avoid eating oily and fatty foods. Eat lots of fruits and vegetables that make a great source of vitamins, minerals and other nutrients that you need.
• Take natural and healthy supplements. It does not hurt to take supplement that is good for the liver. Consult your doctor as to which is the best supplement to take.
• Avoid too much alcohol. Drinking in moderation is good, but overdoing it  is not good for the health.
• Take the time to exercise. This is essential for you to have good over-all health.Having a healthy lifestyle reduces your risk of acquiring certain diseases and illnesses.